Watch Frauds

Frauds is a 1993 Australian movie directed by Stephan Elliott. It is a dark comedy that tells the story of a dysfunctional family that is obsessed with fraud and deception. The plot revolves around the McMahon family. Leader of the family, the father, operates a shipping business, which is on the verge of bankruptcy. The family's solution to the financial crisis is to commit fraud. They start with small things but soon the scams turn into more elaborate ones, ultimately leading to a massive and outrageous heist.

Mitchell McMahon, who plays the father, is the driving force behind the schemes. He is a captivating and charismatic character, who is constantly coming up with new ways to deceive people. His wife, played by Rebel Penfold-Russell, is completely under his spell, and together they manipulate their children into becoming accomplices. Mitchell McMahon plays his role with gusto, bringing to life a character who is both charming and deeply flawed.

Andrew McMahon, Mitchell's real-life brother, plays the role of the son, Roland. He is a computer graphics artist who is in love with his step-sister, Cynthia. He is also the most sympathetic character in the film. Although he is fully aware of the family's illegal activities, he is powerless to stop them, and only wants to live his life and pursue his career.

Cynthia, played by Josephine Byrnes, is the daughter of Mitchell's wife from her first marriage. She is aloof and manipulative, much like her step-father. She uses her beauty and charm to get what she wants, often at the expense of others. Byrnes portrays the character with understated elegance, making Cynthia simultaneously likeable and repulsive.

The movie is beautifully shot, with a surreal atmosphere that enhances the story's themes of deception and illusion. The visuals are wonderfully complemented by an excellent soundtrack. The music shifts seamlessly between different moods, from whimsical to suspenseful, creating a sense of tension and unease.

Despite its entertaining story and impressive production values, Frauds didn't do well commercially. The movie, which was released to critical acclaim, didn't find the audience it deserved. The dark humor and cynical themes may have put off some moviegoers, but it remains a cult classic for those who appreciate a good black comedy.

Frauds is a movie that tackles the theme of family dysfunction in a unique and hilarious way. It is a film that explores the lengths people will go to in order to survive, and the human need to create illusions to escape reality. It is a masterpiece of Australian cinema that, twenty-five years after its release, remains fresh and entertaining.

Frauds is a 1993 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9.